I let out another chant-like cry as the vile woman disappears. I then quieten down and start to blush, "Sorry about that, I wasn't expecting to get so angry over a simple ruse. But we must protect Her Highness, I can heal you all up on the way, if you would like. We still have some use of the wand left. As for detecting if Her Highness has been charmed, I am able to detect if there are any magical aura's upon her, currently active or very recently. But as for removing them, I cannot ... I could always put Her Highness to sleep, but that last threat from Undra gives me concerns about that. If she is able to enter peoples dreams, then maybe putting her to sleep is not a good idea, besides having her witness the events would prove beneficial to us."
With that I start walking towards the Battle-Market, trying to go around the angry mob.
The bulk of the mob seems to have moved over to the brothel, but several of the townsfolk have noticed the disturbance at the mill and shout to the others as Faelar approaches the bridge.
I touch the wand to my fore-arm as I walk a couple of times and all of the wounds on my body that are visible begin to close up and knit themselves together. Seeing the mob I call out to the others, "should we talk or flee?"
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Kzrira looks to Faelar:
Lets see what the mob wants, you are usually pretty good with the social interaction.
I nod to Kzrira and once all of her wounds have closed up I walk towards the bridge, arms open in a manner that shows that I am unarmed and mean them no harm. "Greetings my friends, is there something we can help you with on this fine day? I would warn you not to go in the mill just yet, there is a swarm of flies that have been aggravated. Come talk to me my friends." I look them over briefly to see if they are being hostile towards me/
Karethas nods at Faelar's previous statement. "Enchantments can be difficult to detect, but given some time to rest I have a spell that would have a decent chance of breaking any enchantment that may have been placed on her."
As Faelar approaches the crowd Karethas whispers at him, "Beware, the witch may have already poisoned them against us. You must convince them of her true nature, and then they may be our allies once more."
I think we need to see to the princess and then to the destruction of the building she calls home and this ast place of her hiding. I think it prudent we destroy anywhere we find that she has left dark marks of her influence. Perhaps we need to find a cleric to ensure such cleansing?
With healing quickly provided by Faelar's wand, the party move toward the mob. They don't look to happy as they gather by the bridge and peer at the adventurers revealed in the torchlight, but at least Undra is nowhere in sight.
One of the whores points accusingly at Kzrira, "Yeah, she's the one with the bad attitude. Kept threatening us and bossing us around!"
A familiar thug with a black eye mumbles, "Someone punched me, too. He seemed bigger than this lot, but I've heard the wizard over there is a conjurer. Who knows what demon he set on me?"
Voices rise in agitation, but they pause to at least let the elf have his say. "Where's the mistress, then? What's going on?"
I look to the mob and bow, keeping my head down until I have finished speaking, "If my friends have caused you any misfortune, insult or injury I am truly sorry and would like to do my best to remedy any ill will that has been caused." I lower my head even more before standing, "As for the mistress we believe that she is with Her Highness and I am on my way to her now, we have a few things we need to discuss. I can assure you I mean both the lady Undra and Her Highness no ill will or intent. Perhaps once everything has been sorted out you could come to the market and enjoy the show I will be putting on for Her Highness? Free of charge of course and if there is a fee, I will gladly pay it."
There is some grumbling in the crowd, but they make no further move to block your progress. In fact several follow to see what will happen as you make your way back up to the palace.
Karethas grumbles under his breath, "I have NEVER summoned a demon in my life! I'm a summoner, not some base diabolist."
Amir pats the wizard on the shoulder, Philistines, the lot of them. But consider instead that they thought me the demon. Should I be flattered or am I so haggard in my aging? Amir winks at the younger man and laughs out loud. And to think! Kzrira you have a "bad attitude! Amir cannot help but chuckle to himself as the group walks.
"I thank you all for letting us meet with Her Highness and Undra once again." As we walk through the parting crowd I notice a few of them start to follow us, "I hope nothing happens to these people, maybe we shall have to try and go somewhere they cannot follow once we are with Undra and Her Highness?"
Kzrira looks at the others and grumbles: Who cares what they think. They should all just be glad they are not warming in a Gnoll stewpot at this point.
Do Gnolls cooks stew, I would figure they would get eaten raw or put on a spit, inelegant as that is...
"The layman's lack of understanding of the universe around them is truly astounding. The power and knowledge required to transmute a person's size and mass is miniscule compared to what it takes to rip a creature from another plane and compel it's cooperation. Why assume a big shape is some sort of extra-planar creature? Karethas shakes his head in disbelief.
The adventurers continue their discussion of gnoll cuisine and conjuration as they follow the curving road to the upper town and onto the palace with the remnants of the mob tagging along on their heels. A pool of everburning light illuminates the sentry at the locked doors of the palace, who shouts a warning as the groups approach.
Karethas walks up to the guard confidently, "We are here to report to Sayeda Almah about a threat to her person. We were the hero's of the battle against Kardswann, and she assigned us to investigate one of her advisers. Let us pass, but keep this rabble under control." He gestures back at the crowd behind the group.
The guard seems ready to balk, but Karethas' confident demeanor makes him uncertain. Finally, muttering the Shazada Khanum will not be happy, he opens the doors to allow you into the foyer and secures the doors against the rabble. As servants light the lamps, you hear the man with the black eye ranting outside, "But I was the one assaulted!"
You wait a long time before Princess Almah appears on the balcony at the top of the stairs. The young princess does not look happy to see you. "Why has my rest been disturbed! I know of no threat other that your continual intrusions when you are no longer needed!"
Kzrira simply scans the area looking to see whether the div is about.
Perception:
Holding her tongue, Kzrira scans the area for Undra. She's sees no veiled threat, only the ever present Pactmaster guards, a few house slaves and the sentry.
Once past the initial guard, Karethas leans over to Amir and whispers, "Watch her closely. I will overstate our case, but she should at least consider what I am saying. If she dismisses it out of hand, then she is probably enscrolled."
As the princess appears Karethas steps confidently forward and gives her a deep bow, "My Sayeda, I have been deeply saddened by the rift that has appeared between us, but my friends and I have finally discovered the true cause! Your ears have been poisoned by your most trusted counselor! We have proof that she is a worshiper of Ahriman, Lord of the Div and Master of Destruction! Here, here is her holy symbol, which were took from Undra herself! It is then that she revealed herself as a Pairaka, a div that uses trickery and deceit to promote the destruction their lord desires! She is working for the destruction of your town and holdings!" Karethas boldly holds up Undra's amulet and presents it to the room as a whole.
I walk into the room with the others and quickly glance around for Undra as well.
Upon failing to see here, if she is even present, I turn to face Almah and bow deeply in a sign of great respect. I go to speak when Karethas starts to speak. Once he has finished I speak my part too, "You Highness, I wish that what we have discovered were not true and that Undra was just a woman seeking refuge among people as generous and gracious as yourself. However as Karethas has just informed you, we have been doing some investigation, it would seem that our dear friend Zataran passed away; murdered to be more precise, during our investigations we found some information about Undra and although we wished it to not be true we still had to follow the information. That is when I was captured and held against my will. I still wish that the information we have uncovered to be false, but unfortunately it does not look like this can be the case. All I wish for, is for you to be safe, you are as my family and I have a great deal of respect for you."
The princess' fair countenance darkens with outrage at Karethas' wild accusations. Before she can open her mouth however, Faelar attempts to ameliorate the situation. The princess listens to the well spoken elf's words and though still frowning, at least her complexion lightens.
"Elf, these are serious charges against my most trusted counselor. I find your brazen companion's allegations wholly ridiculous. However, I will allow Vizier Undra to address these charges herself. You will stay in the market tower tonight and tomorrow we will look further into the matter. Guards, take them to the tower."
One of the Princess' Pactmaster guard calls for an escort of mercenaries and the party is directed back out the door toward the tower.
look at their beastiary entry? Do we know if they have any specific weaknesses?
Kzrira frowns at the Princesses response.
When the group is being lead to the tower, Kzrira simply shakes her head.
We need to stop whatever power this div wench has over the princess. Not that I particularly like the spoiled brat, but I believe she does have the best interest of the town in her heart, and we need to make sure that it is her heart.
Karethas, I will take watch together with Amir tonight. You and Faelar rest and recover your magical powers so that we can make sure we have all the proper spells when we see Undra in the morning. As I said, the div seems so fixated on controlling the princess and destroying this town, that I bet she will make mistakes and appear in the morning. We need to make sure we are prepared to reveal the div for the monster she is, and to protect the princess from any harm that the div may seek to inflict on the girl.
Karethas frowns, "I can cast a spell which will protect anyone close to me from her charms, but I cannot remove whatever ability she has to hide her true form if it is innate to her kind. Perhaps we can use the fact that she is harmed by cold iron to reveal her nature to the Princess."
Once inside the Old Battle Market, you are offered the two gladiator cells once used by Antar and Haleen for the night.
I bow to Almah again, "I thank you greatly for listening to us and I hope that this can all be sorted out as soon as possible. We shall see you and Undra on the morrow then, may you have a good nights rest and awaken refreshed." With that I stand tall again and allow the guards to take me to the cell. On the way the others begin conversing, "She showed no sign of remorse that Zataran had passed away, its as if she already or knew agreed to the deed before it was done. I could create another illusion, one of Zataran walking into the room once the evidence is being given and make him point at Undra? However if I do that and they see it as an illusion, that could make matters worse for us."
Once inside I take out the books I had been carrying around and begin to read "The Elemental Planes" once again, to see if there is any information in there that I have missed on Pairaka's.
"We can inform Almah that div's are resistant to damage from regular steel, but not from cold iron. We have Undra hold out her hand, using the Princess's suspicion to force her to comply. Then we try to cut her with a regular dagger, which should not work. A cold iron arrowhead will cut her cleanly, proving her non-human nature."
There is some heckling from the mob that follows you into the market, but they are pushed back by Almah's mercenaries. Kzrira and Karethas are given Haleen's old cell. Amir and Faelar are offered Antar's cell. Once inside, you cant help but notice that the door is locked behind you. You hear nothing else through the night.
Faelar has plenty of time to leaf through "The Elemental Planes", but there is no mention of div in that text. In fact, no one comes to get you the next morning though food is pushed through a small window. You continue to wait.
Karethas fumes as time passes and there is no word from outside. He looks out the window and tries to get a guard's attention.
I look to Amir, "Looks like they are very busy, I am sure they will be here soon. I doubt Her Highness will want us kept here for much longer."
Amir only nods at the elf as he waxes naively.
Looking over at Kzrira the ex-thief raises an eyebrow. When should we leave?
The delay continues as the inhabitants grow annoyed. Karethas' patience is especially short as he isn't feeling particularly well. Kzrira can see that his pallor has dulled just a bit.
Amir and Faelar inhabit the other cell where Faelar seems to take things in stride though as the day progresses, he feels jittery and a slight tingling in his fingers quickly turns to a quaking that affects his entire body.
Karethas' calls are finally answered by a mercenary. It is Tayyib, the mercenary healed by Faelar after the caravan fire many months ago. He informs each cell that the trial has been delayed as Undra has not appeared and everyone is occupied at the moment as Garavel's caravan has arrived.
Kzrira calls back to Amir. I say about now.
Karethas thinks for a moment before sighing at Tayyib, "Tayyib, you know what we have done for this town, and that we mean no one here any harm. I want you to go tell Garavel that the princess is in great danger and is being led down a path of self-destruction by a div that has enchanted her. He should have us released within the hour, or we will leave on our own and someone may get hurt."
I look to Tayyib and smile, "Hello again my friend, how are you faring recently? Hope fully you have not been caught in anymore fires." My face grows more serious, "We however are not doing so well, I; myself, have this case of uncontrollable shakes. Could we please get an audience with Garavel as what Karethas; my learned friend, has spoken is unfortunately true and Her Highness is in great danger."
Tayyib nods, "I owe you my life, Faelar. I will do what I can."
I smile as I begin to shake again, "Th..thank-you my friend."
Once Tayyib leaves Karethas speaks loud enough to be heard in the other cell, "The trial he spoke of is for us, so this is not going well. At least Undra is afraid enough to keep her head down. If Garavel does not show up quickly we will need to leave. If it comes to that, Amir can you get us out or should I use one of my spells?"
Since you have given them an hour I won't know for 58 more minutes. I'll get back to you.
Amir will inspect the door to see what his chances are of opening the lock.
It is a good quality lock. Amir thinks he can pick it, but it would be extremely difficult and would likely attract attention. Fortunately, he does not have resort to such extreme actions. Tayyib makes good on his promise, and before long, Garavel is heard asking the guards to open your cells.
You are greeted by the major domo and another imposing figure. The newcomer is quite tall with a shaven head, gold hoop earrings, and a thick salt and pepper beard coiled and bound in rings. He wears a golden breastplate over ornate robes that feature a gilded key motif.
Garavel bows as you are freed, "My friends, a thousand apologies for your recent treatment. I have heard some of what occurred last night. The fact that Undra has disappeared only lends support to your story in my opinion. The threat of exposure has caused her to flee I am certain."
"Her hold over the Princess will diminish with time, but I think the best way forward now is to take a statement from you once again in a way that Almah cannot deny."
He gestures to the stranger, "This is Zayifid, the new High Priest of the Temple of Abadar in Kelmarane. If you do not object, he will cast a spell to prevent anyone from speaking falsely. I have requested that the Princess meet us in the market penthouse where we may all witness your statements."
Kzrira looks at the tall priest.
I have no falsehood to tell. All I ask is that you make sure that Undra cannot resist your spell. She is a div, a dark creature who uses her evil powers to corrupt and destroy.
Turning to Garavel:
Your return portents well for the town. You have the political and economic savvy to see that the market, and thus the town, are run in an honest and fair manner. I know that the Princess views you as a good advisor and believe that you wisdom . . . Turning and nodding at the priest briefly. As well as yours father. Will allow this town to finally shrug off the evil that has corrupted it for so long, and move forward into the great future this town has before it.
Karethas sighes deeply at Garavel's words, "Garavel, habiibi. I am so glad that you have returned and returned a voice of wisdom to our Sayeeda's ears. We would be glad to submit to such a spell if you say this man can be trusted." He turns to the cleric and bows his head "Mullah, it is an honor to meet you. I hope that the truth of this matter will quickly be determined and we may become acquainted in a more calm manner."
Zayifid looks uneasy as he strokes his beard, "I have not encountered the div before and honestly, I though they only preyed on the grasping Thuvians. It is dark tidings indeed if they are now found within the boundaries of Katapesh. I do have spells to ward against evil though."
He looks to Faelar, "Tayyib mentioned an affliction. Hmmm, I have seen this condition several times already today. The shaking disease comes from time spent in unfit brothels and you look to have an advanced case, young elf. You should be more careful. I think I can remedy you though. I have enough of Abadar's favor for one last spell of the kind- God of Walls and Proper Sewers, purge this young man of disease so that he may prosper and be a productive citizen of this yet growing settlement."
With a touch, Faelar feels clean though his quaking continues. Zayifid nods with approval. "Your body may take some time to recover from the ravages of the disease, but you will get no worse."
Garavel then leads you back into the market. You immediately note that the size of the settlement seems to have tripled as new vendors and settlers bustle through. There is a large contingency of half-orc mamluks, slave soldiers bred in Okeno. Many more merchants are seen as well as numerous serfs and farmers.
Upstairs, you find Almah waiting impatiently. She gives you a sour look, but holds her tongue. With no emotion as usual, Garavel explains what is to occur. Zayifid completes his spell and nods to Garavel that all is ready. The major Domo turns back to you and asks that you make a brief statement explaining your encounter with Undra last night.
I smile as I see Garavel and the giant of a priest, "Welcome back m..my friend. You are a s..sight for s..sore eyes I admit." I look to the priest after he explains where my illness is from and once he removes the affliction I finally get to answer him without the shaking, "I find that hard to believe, I do not frequent such places. I have ..." I turn to my friends, "How is Qilué, is she well and safe?" After receiving my answer I turn back to the priest, "I have a life partner and wish to lay with no-one else. I was fine until I spoke with Undra and passed out, I then woke up to hear my friends here and start to shake uncontrollably."
I bow deeply to Almah, "Your Highness, it is good to see you on this day and I hope that you slept well." I raise my head and look at her while Garavel explains what is happening, then I nod and begin to speak again. "I am afraid I was passed out for most of the evening, we had found poor Zataran's body and thought we should find out what killed him, as he had been savaged by a flying creature on his way back from talking with us at the Monastery; that you so graciously awarded us with. If truth be told I do not remember how we came to believe Undra's involvement and she was as usual very helpful and charming. I was asked to follow her, so I did and she raised her veil ... I do not remember anything after that. I awoke to find myself bound and hear my friends hear calling for me. They suspected Undra, while I still believed her to be innocent and a captive with me, but when they confronted her about her beliefs she took to the air and fled. She was able to make Kzrira stop following her briefly and then conjured a large swarm of flies to attack us. Once we escaped the building we saw her fly off, she shouted out something about getting me and seeing me in my nightmares ..." I shudder a bit, "We then found the large group of people outside and headed straight here to speak with you again."
"I can fill in a few holes that Faelar left out, if you please? Zataran visited with us the night before last. He expressed his concern that there was a disease afflicting large numbers of people in town. To him the pattern seemed to indicate that Undra's brothel was at the heart of the infection. He also expressed his concern that Undra's influence on the princess was causing her to become paranoid and somewhat erratic. I had just spoken with the princess the day before and experienced something similar. So, as a group we decided to try to find out some more information. Finding Zataran's body on the roadside the next morning was too much for mere coincidence." Karethas pauses, his face troubled, as he remembers the loss of the gnome. "We investigated Undra's dwelling and found a holy symbol of Ahriman. We attempted to follow Undra last evening, using Faelar's excellent night vision to our advantage. The div discovered him and kidnapped him. We followed their trail, and were ambushed multiple times. Fighting our way forward, we finally caught up with Undra. She was in a makeshift shrine to Ahriman in the cellar of the old mill. After this, we may want to go there and seek her out by the way. After confronting her, she exposed her true form. She has purple skin, clawed feet and hands. We had guessed she was a pairaka, but this confirmed it. It also fits with the disease afflicting the town."
"How is Qilué, is she well and safe?"
Garavel turns up the corners of his mouth in a smile gesture although he assuredly cannot feel the emotions behind it. "I believe she is safe. Tayyib said guards were sent by Almah to keep an eye on the monastery. I do not think it was in the interest of Qilue's safety, but I am sure she is being closely watched nonetheless."
As Karethas' hand moves to the holy symbol that Amir found and he borrowed the previous day, he suddenly realizes it has been moved and now rests around his own neck where it sits warm to the touch as if fevered. Karethas certainly does not remember placing it there.
Garavel looks questioningly to Zayifid who gives a nod of approval. The Abadarian ponders, "Only the truth has been heard here. The presence of a Pairaka Div explains much of the sad history of Kelmarane. Before the mad Imam, Halruun, sacked the Temple of Abadar here, there were rumors of rampant disease. I can only guess that this fiend was at work then as now. The Usij shrine you mentioned will be razed."
Garavel stoically bows to each of you. "Once again, Kelmarane owes you so much. First for freeing her from the gnolls and bandits that occupied her ruins and now for freeing her from her ancient affliction."
His eyebrow rises as he looks to Almah who continues to stew silently. "Habibti, do not feel poorly. You have been enchanted by this fiend. I may have fallen to her charms as well if I did not have the Pactmaster's favor which spares me all emotion." He gestures to the strange metal bolt that protrudes from the back of his head. "Let us celebrate the fact that your ancestral home has been freed at last. Kelmarane has been delivered with the assistance of these heroes. Let them be your honored guests, oh Princess."
The young princess quickly recomposes her face and graciously thanks each of you before excusing herself to begin preparations for the celebration.